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Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Monica, CA

Need a sitter on short notice? Santa Monica families find trusted, background checked babysitters on UrbanSitter.

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111 available last-minute babysitters in Santa Monica, CA

Families in Santa Monica use UrbanSitter for last-minute date nights, schedule changes, backup care, and same-day babysitter needs.
99 available today | Avg hourly rate: $26.97/hr

All babysitters shown here are background checked every year. Learn more.

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Lizette
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$26 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Monica, CA

Hello! I bring decades of experience to your family as I am a mother, and I babysit my nieces and nephews. I am well versed in STEM-based teaching curriculum and arts-based learning. I hold a UCLA degree and am fully fluent in English and Spanish. I am also a trained birth doula to support new parents. I also successfully raised my son, who is now in college. Aside from babysitting, I am willing to run errands and do your family’s grocery shopping. I am community-minded and recently won an award from the LA County for Human Relations - LA vs Hate project, I love to laugh, teach children how to read, write and do crafts and art projects. I can also teach your children some basic capoeira moves. I am willing to commute kids to school and prepare healthy meals. I also love being around elders from your family and am willing to run errands for them as well. Feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to send you my resume.

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Janie
Booked by 1 repeat family
1 review
$30 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 4 families in Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m a developmental therapist with a genuine passion for working with children and supporting their growth, confidence, and emotional well-being. I currently work with children ages 3–10 while pursuing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, with a concentration in Youth Work and Out-of-School Time. I’ve spent over six years working with children in a variety of settings, including schools, preschools, camps, and families’ homes. I’ve worked in special education with LAUSD, taught preschool in both San Francisco and Portland, and spent four years as a camp counselor with Camp Galileo. These experiences have given me the opportunity to work with children of different ages, personalities, and needs, and have taught me how important it is to meet each child where they are. I also have several years of nannying experience and have worked with around seven different families. I’ve helped with everything from weekly childcare and school pickups to overnight trips, meal preparation, bedtime routines, arts and crafts, homework, and keeping children engaged throughout the day. I really enjoy creating a balance between structure and fun—whether that means getting creative with an activity, heading outside to play, helping with homework, or simply being a caring and dependable presence for a child. Outside of my professional work, I’ve always been passionate about giving back to children and families. I’ve volunteered with organizations such as Safe & Sound, where I provided peer counseling and support, and Reading Partners, where I tutored elementary school children who were working to improve their reading skills. I would describe myself as warm, patient, responsible, and easygoing. I truly enjoy getting to know each child as an individual and creating a relationship where they feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and see how I can be a helpful part of your child’s life!

“Janie was an excellent sitter for our two young children (4 and 6). She is warm and calm, listens carefully and responds thoughtfully to our children. She provides constructive guidance to them, helps them stay organized, encourages them to use words to talk out their disputes, and makes them feel safe. She was always on time, and proactive in planning. She helped with school pick-up and prepped dinner and fed our children on some evenings. I would definitely hire Janie again, and recommend her highly for your family.”

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Ashley $20 per hour for 1 child

Hi! I’m a responsible, caring, and dependable college student who loves working with kids. I’m patient, energetic, and always focused on creating a safe and fun environment. I’m especially available on weekends and would love to help your family with occasional or recurring babysitting!

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Vivien $25 per hour for 1 child

I love children! I helped raise my (fraternal twin brothers). I have a reputation for my warm, caring nature, and for being reliable and trustworthy. I have been a nanny (in Nashville) to an infant and to a toddler and school aged child (also in Nashville). I have also been a nanny/tutor to a school-aged girl in Los Angeles, and a special-needs school-aged boy in Los Angeles. My main profession is writing, but I am seeking a side hustle to give me a chance to spend time around kids and also to supplement my writing work income since AI is stealing some of my work. = ) I have GREAT references!

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Nicole $20 per hour for 1 child
Booked by 1 family in Santa Monica, CA

Hi folks my name is Nicole. Currently studying to become a nurse taking my prerequisites attending SMC. I’m eager to meet you and your littles. I’ve loved taking care of children as long as I can remember, I’ve had 6 years of experience care taking.

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How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Santa Monica, CA?

  • Average hourly rate for 1 child: $26.97
  • Average hourly rate for 2 children: $31.96
  • Typical job length: 4.6 hours
  • Most requested times: Morning

As of October 2026

Recent babysitter activity in Santa Monica, CA

Trust matters, especially on short notice

Babysitters on UrbanSitter are background checked every year, with every profile individually reviewed by our Trust and Safety team.

1,103 sitters background checked in Santa Monica, CA

5.0 average star rating from total of 7,578 reviews in Santa Monica, CA

photo of quoted parent Marie

"Amina came and helped us out when our babysitter canceled last minute. She was great with our kids. Even our 11 month old son who has stranger anxiety warmed up to her."

Marie C., parent

photo of quoted parent Jenny

"She was so flexible and came last minute to help out. The house was really neat when I got home and both kids were asleep. Two thumbs up!"

Jenny S., parent

photo of quoted parent Jesse

"Thrisa was amazing! Came over last minute and took amazing care of our 11 month old - including bedtime - she's coming back tomorrow :)"

Jesse D., parent

Family with caregiver

Find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Monica

Submit a request to hear from available sitters.

Why Santa Monica families choose UrbanSitter for last-minute child care

Quick responses when plans change

In most cities, average response time for last-minute requests is under two minutes.

Recommended by Santa Monica families

See which babysitters have been hired by parents at your child's school, preschool, or neighborhood in Santa Monica.

Background checked, every year

Every babysitter clears an annual background check, offering peace of mind even on short notice.

Read reviews, then decide

See parent reviews, repeat families, and average response times to find the right fit fast.

Frequently asked questions about finding a last-minute babysitter in Santa Monica

How do I find a last-minute babysitter in Santa Monica?

Sign up on UrbanSitter, enter your zip code, and submit a request with your timing and care needs. Babysitters near Santa Monica who are available can respond to your request. Before choosing, you can view profiles, parent reviews, and shared connections.

How much does a last-minute babysitter cost in Santa Monica?

As of October 2026, the average babysitting rate in Santa Monica is $26.97 per hour for one child. Rates vary by experience, number of children, and time of day. See babysitting rates in Santa Monica.

Are babysitters on UrbanSitter background checked?

Yes. Every babysitter on UrbanSitter completes an annual background check. You can also read reviews from Santa Monica families and see shared connections before you book. See what's included in the background check.

Can I find a same-day babysitter in Santa Monica?

Same-day requests are common on UrbanSitter. Submit a request with your timing and care needs, and available sitters in Santa Monica can respond. In most cities, the average response time for urgent requests is under two minutes.

Should I pay more for a last-minute babysitter?

Some parents offer a slightly higher rate for last-minute or same-day requests, but it is not required. On UrbanSitter, rates are set by individual babysitters. You can see each babysitter's hourly rate on their profile before you book.

What if I need a babysitter last minute today?

To find a last-minute babysitter today, share your timing and care needs on UrbanSitter. Available babysitters in Santa Monica can respond, and you can review profiles before choosing.

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